What is the function of myoglobin in muscle cells?

Myoglobin plays a crucial role in muscle cells by storing oxygen, which is essential for sustaining muscular contractions. It is a globular protein found primarily in skeletal and cardiac muscles, and its primary function is to bind oxygen molecules. Myoglobin has a high affinity for oxygen, allowing it to effectively capture and hold onto oxygen brought into the muscle cells from the blood.

During periods of high activity or when oxygen demand increases, myoglobin releases its stored oxygen, providing a readily available supply for aerobic respiration within the muscle fibers. This stored oxygen is particularly important during short bursts of intense exercise or when the muscle's oxygen supply from the bloodstream may not meet immediate demands.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of myoglobin. Myoglobin is not involved in ATP production directly, carbon dioxide transport, or the breakdown of fats, which are functions associated with other biochemical processes and proteins within the body.